About DSL

The Division of Student Life (DSL) partners with students, faculty, and staff to help students thrive academically, physically, and personally. The MIT experience is rigorous, and we are here to listen, to guide, and to assist whenever students need help.

We Are Here for Students

For the better part of two centuries MIT has earned a reputation for educational and research excellence. Learning that happens inside the classroom is amplified by that which happens outside of the classroom. These opportunities enrich students’ lives and help them build skills as leaders, organizers, and problem-solvers. Our common goal is to help our diverse community of students thrive intellectually, physically, spiritually, and personally.

We partner with students, faculty, and staff to develop enriching environments and experiences that promote students’ knowledge, wellbeing, independence, and accountability.

Our Goals

Under the leadership Suzy M. Nelson, Vice Chancellor, DSL has developed a multi-year plan to enhance the MIT student experience. Each year, priorities and goals are revisited and updated through a collaborative process involving DSL staff, division leadership, and MIT Senior leadership.

Suzy Nelson

Vice Chancellor

 

 

Full Biography

For the better part of two centuries MIT has earned a reputation for educational and research excellence. Co-curricular experiences complement academic learning and research. These experiences, which I often refer to as the “other” classroom, stretch across campus and beyond: on playing fields and theater stages, in residence halls and student organization meetings, in service to our community and faith gatherings. These opportunities enrich students’ lives and help them build skills as leaders, organizers, and problem-solvers. These campus life experiences also offer students spaces to have fun and relax, to rest and recharge, and to achieve some balance between learning and living.

The Division of Student Life (DSL) collaborates with students, faculty, and staff to help students thrive academically, physically, spiritually and personally. The MIT experience is rigorous, and we are here to listen, to guide, and to assist whenever students need help.

In short, we are here for students. And DSL staff aim to deliver on that mission every day. This website captures the range of student life experiences at MIT. Whether you are a current student, parent, prospective student, or faculty or staff member, I hope you find what you are looking for quickly, and that this resource is able to answer your questions.

Best wishes,

Suzy M. Nelson
Vice Chancellor for Student Life

DSL Organization – Senior Staff

As educators, we facilitate opportunities for learning more about ourselves and others, developing the capacity for human understanding, and solving problems in creative and innovative ways.

Meet the Full Team

Peter D Cummings

Executive Director for Administration Administration & Operations DSL Senior Leadership

Erin Farrell

She/Her Sr. Assoc Dean, Stud Engagmnt & Campus Activities Dean of Student Life DSL Senior Leadership Student Organizations, Leadership and Engagement Office

David Friedrich

Sr. Associate Dean, Housing & Residential Services DSL Senior Leadership Housing and Residential Services

G. Anthony Grant

Department Head/Director of Athletics Athletics DSL Senior Leadership

Elizabeth Green

Sr. Director, Assessment & Employee Development Administration & Operations DSL Senior Leadership

Amy Kinch

Chief of Staff for Student Life Administration & Operations DSL Senior Leadership

Andrew Mankus

Senior Director of Campus Dining Administration & Operations Dining DSL Senior Leadership

I Can Help With Starting June 23, 2025

Kate McCarthy

She/Her Sr. Assoc. Dean, Support, Wellbeing & Belonging Dean of Student Life DSL Senior Leadership Support, Wellbeing, and Belonging

David Randall

Dean of Student Life Dean of Student Life DSL Senior Leadership
Meet the Full Team

James Reed

Assoc Dean, Student Conduct & Community Standards DSL Senior Leadership Office of Student Conduct

Helen Wang

Sr. Associate Dean, Residential & Community Life DSL Senior Leadership Residential & Community Life

Committee on Student Life

The Committee on Student Life focuses on enhancing the student experience, and the quality of the learning and living environment at MIT, with a particular focus on community issues. Its responsibilities include:

  • Overseeing the effectiveness and availability of Institute-wide support services for students, and the relationships among students, the Institute, and faculty.
  • Reviewing and recommending changes to policies student life to the Faculty and the Vice Chancellor.
  • Coordinating and promoting innovative student life programs, especially those involving faculty, and ensuring successful initiatives are integrated into Faculty regulations and practices.
  • Collaborating with other faculty committees, student organizations, and MIT departments on student life matters, and communicating relevant issues to the MIT community.
  • Acting as the faculty advisory body to the Vice Chancellor.
About the Committee Contact the Committee

Heads of House

A unique feature of residential life at MIT is the faculty Heads of House. Heads live in the residences and lead a team that includes graduate students, staff, and peer mentors to offer academic and personal support to students.

Careers at DSL

We support students in discovering a sense of purpose, fulfillment, and joy. We value shared governance and collaboration, and lead with integrity, innovation, and a commitment to continuous improvement

Careers

More from DSL

Awards

DSL hosts and contributes to a variety of opportunities to recognize excellence and commitment across the campus.

Key Initiatives

From campus renovations to working groups focused on policies, DSL is engaged in a wide variety of efforts to improve student life at MIT.